After the Foreign Intelligence Commissioner finished recounting his suspicions regarding the Northeast Government, Comrade Lenin asked in return, "Is this the entirety of our reason for suspecting the Northeast Government?"

The Foreign Intelligence Commissioner did not hesitate in the slightest and answered decisively, "Yes, Comrade Lenin."

Lenin looked around at the comrades; some were paying close attention, while others seemed rather baffled. He stood up, placing his hands on his waist. This was a habitual gesture formed over decades of revolutionary life. The bright light shone on Comrade Lenin's forehead, creating a distinct reflection.

Lenin spoke with a hint of displeasure: "Comrades, up to this point, we can confirm that He Rui is not a communist, and the Northeast Government is not a socialist government. However, the Northeast Government is a friendly regime that currently guarantees peace on our borders. From a long-term perspective, He Rui's goal is to the south—to unify China. Judging by the fact that He Rui decisively went to war with Japan, he will absolutely not accept restrictions imposed by Britain and France. In the process of unifying China, He Rui is bound to come into conflict with Britain and France. If Britain and France are forced to redeploy forces to South China, it will inevitably weaken their power in Europe. Our greatest threat comes from Europe, from Poland which is supported by Britain and France. So, do any comrades still believe that He Rui will become a threat to us after he unifies China?"

The Intelligence Commissioner said nothing more, and other commissioners raised no further questions on this issue. Just then, the Commissioner of Defense Industry spoke up, "Comrade Lenin, other comrades, I have a report to submit. This matter concerns our trade with the Northeast Government."

The Central Committee members of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) received the report. Russia's trade with the Northeast Government accounted for more than half of Russia's current foreign trade. Given that Russia's foreign trade was basically cut off under British leadership, this was not surprising. Those commissioners who understood economics saw that the trade categories between the Northeast and Soviet Russia were mostly machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals—all technical products.

Machinery processing tools like cutters, drill bits, and grinding wheels alone had been imported from the Northeast in the tens of thousands. To those in the know, this figure was proof of the Northeast Government's machining capabilities.

The Defense Industry Commissioner frankly expressed his view: "We have compared the relevant products produced in the Northeast with similar products from France and Britain. The quality of the Northeast's products exceeds that of similar British and French products, and the price is cheaper. Our country is currently rapidly restoring its industry and needs to import large quantities of such products. However, from the perspective of production safety, once this trade cannot be maintained, our production will be greatly affected."

Some commissioners now understood. The security agencies were perhaps considering this danger, while the Defense Industry Ministry was worried about the continuity of supply.

Among the commissioners who knew little about industry, some wanted to ask if domestic Russian products couldn't replace them. However, they also knew that the Defense Industry Commission must have discussed this matter to have formulated their own concerns.

Comrade Lenin had already made a judgment at this point. "Is our export volume insufficient to complete the transaction?"

The Defense Industry Commissioner answered frankly, "In order to complete the trade with the Northeast, we must expand mining development and timber production in Siberia and the Far East."

"Then please have the Finance Commissioner prepare an investment plan to expand production," Lenin replied.

Finance Commissioner Comrade Yevgeni Alekseyevich Preobrazhensky had bright, sharp eyes. Every plan to expand investment would cause this comrade to engage in fierce debate with the Central Committee members. However, this time he did not raise any objections. Shifting his gaze from the document submitted by the Defense Industry Commissioner, the Finance Commissioner with the shrewd and capable face was silent for a moment before saying, "Comrade Lenin, as long as it does not continue to increase the demand for railway transport, we can accept it."

At the mention of railway transport, even Comrade Lenin was unwilling to participate in the discussion. Even the most trusted comrade, once they became the person in charge of the railway department, would soon be universally condemned.

The committee members thought this matter had been settled, but the Defense Industry Commissioner actually picked up on this topic. "Regarding the railway issue, I have another request. The Northeast Government's foreign trade delegation has made a proposal to develop a type of railway locomotive together with us. This locomotive is not steam-powered, but an electric locomotive driven by an internal combustion engine. This is our first technical cooperation with the Northeast Government. I would like to ask the comrades to look at the report."

While other comrades did not yet know what this meant, Comrade Lenin asked, "Is the Northeast Government's railway transport adopting the same rolling stock?"

"The Northeast Government's foreign trade delegation proposed that the train's power system be developed together, while other parts of the train be developed independently according to each country's own railway gauge and needs. There will be technical exchanges between the two sides, but not joint development."

Receiving such an answer, Comrade Lenin felt relieved. If the Russian railway completely adopted a Chinese-led model, it would mean China dominating Russia's railway system standards, which was something Russia could absolutely not accept. Even in the tsarist era, Russia had its own rail gauge standards; the All-Union Communist Party now leading Russia would certainly not allow the country's important core technologies to be dominated by foreign countries.

Once these industrial issues were determined, no one discussed the issue between the Northeast and Japan anymore. Regardless, Russia had participated in World War I and knew how tragic war truly was. In the eyes of the Russian armed forces, the war between China and Japan was completely a mutual brawl between two paupers. It did not have much value for reference.

After the meeting ended, Comrade Lenin quickly dictated a foreign statement and had the People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs send it out.

***

Meanwhile, Wang Shizhen, Yang Du, and Lü Feng had already disembarked at Shenyang Station. Coming to welcome them was a Northeast Army Major General whom the three had never met. The Major General introduced himself: "Lord Wang, I am Zhou Yinshan, Vice Principal of the Northeast Military Academy. I have seen you from afar a few times during military conferences."

Wang Shizhen knew that the relationship between the Northeast high command and the Beiyang clique was not deep. Zhou Yinshan was one of the few who had served directly within Beiyang. He smiled and said, "Principal Zhou is a talent who graduated from the Japanese Military Academy. It is truly regrettable that we could not be closer due to official duties in the past."

Although these were polite remarks, they were enough to express Wang Shizhen's friendly attitude. Zhou Yinshan smiled and said, "Being ordered to welcome Lord Wang this time also fulfills this subordinate's long-cherished wish to be close to you."

"Principal Zhou is too polite," Wang Shizhen said as he and the Beiyang group followed Zhou Yinshan out of the station. They saw many pedestrians in the station, each walking with vigorous steps. Compared to the common people in the capital, they had less numbness and more spirit.

Outside the station, He Rui was standing in front of several cars, with a small squad of soldiers lined up on either side. Wang Shizhen had seen He Rui's photo in newspapers many times, but this was his first time seeing He Rui in person. Half-body photos made it impossible to assess height, but seeing him now, He Rui was indeed a big man from Shandong, standing over 180 centimeters tall. His square face held a composed expression, and his complexion was good. He did not look the least bit anxious due to the war.

After the two exchanged greetings, He Rui smiled and said, "Lord Wang, this is wartime. I thought it inappropriate to be overly tense, so as to avoid causing anxiety among the populace. Please forgive me for not clearing the area to welcome you."

"At a time like this, the big picture naturally comes first. General He need not worry about me," Wang Shizhen laughed. Previously, Wang Shizhen had been thinking only about how to converse with He Rui; only after He Rui said this did he notice the passengers coming and going inside and outside Shenyang Station. The sounds of attendants using electric megaphones to direct passengers to check tickets and board, or announcing exits, drifted from the station. Surprisingly, one could not feel the panic and oppression of wartime.

He couldn't help but praise, "I had only heard that although General He is young, he has a landscape in his chest and is a talent for governing the country. This time, just a fleeting glimpse is enough to understand that General He's major defeat of the Japanese army was absolutely no fluke."

After speaking, Wang Shizhen looked at the lined-up soldiers welcoming them again. "Seeing the military appearance of these soldiers, this old man is reminded of the vibrant appearance of the Xiaozhan troop training with Yuan Xiangcheng back in the day."

He Rui laughed, "Haha, we Northeast troops are all country folk from outside the pass. How would we dare to be mentioned in the same breath as the New Army trained by Lord Yuan and Lord Wang. You praise us too much."

Hearing these warm words, the accompanying people all had smiles on their faces. Lü Feng, who accompanied Wang Shizhen, also had a smile on his face, but he felt a chill in his heart. Lü Feng had once been a counselor at the Republic of China's embassy in Japan and left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his term ended. A few days ago, he was suddenly recalled to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but before he could even report for duty, he was brought along with Wang Shizhen to Shenyang to meet He Rui.

The two important figures were conversing with friendly faces, but Lü Feng heard a different meaning from a diplomat's perspective. Wang Shizhen's intention was likely to express that the Beiyang Army and the Northeast Army were of the same lineage. He Rui's reply meant that the noble capital troops and the country folk Northeast Army were not on the same path at all. Seemingly chatting and laughing, they were distinct as the Jing and Wei rivers.

Just then, He Rui saw Lü Feng and asked with some pleasant surprise, "Isn't this Brother Lü?"

Lü Feng knew he had only been called along because of his relationship with He Rui in Tokyo, so he didn't want to steal the spotlight. However, since He Rui remembered him, he stepped forward and bowed. "General He, it has been seven years since we parted in Tokyo. Over these seven years, I have often seen General He's civil and military achievements in the newspapers. Recalling how General He was famous in Japan while studying there, although I admire it greatly, I am not surprised in the slightest."

Sure enough, as Lü Feng expected, He Rui just shook hands warmly and didn't mention a word about how he knew Lü Feng. Lü Feng had never deliberately tried to get close to He Rui; knowing him back then was entirely due to official business. He Rui had gone to study in Japan as a soldier. According to regulations, Beiyang had to provide He Rui with a monthly stipend and a set of military uniforms and rank insignias every year. That was how he met He Rui.

If He Rui mentioned this matter now, it would mean he still acknowledged this Beiyang relationship. Since he didn't mention it, it proved that in his heart, He Rui no longer considered himself part of Beiyang.

Regardless of what they thought, everyone politely expressed their positions and attitudes. He Rui invited everyone into the cars, and the convoy headed straight for the hotel where they would stay.

Welcoming them at the main entrance of the hotel's main building were Zhao Tianlin and Morrison. Lü Feng did not know these two, and neither Wang Shizhen nor Yang Du knew Zhao Tianlin. But both were very familiar with Morrison. Recalling that Morrison had stood on the same side as them during Yuan Shikai's attempt to declare himself emperor, Yang Du couldn't help but sigh silently. Old friends were reunited after six years.

He Rui said, "Lord Wang, I still have military duties, so I must take my leave now."

Wang Shizhen and the others wanted to see him off, but He Rui smiled and said, "You have all come from afar. Please forgive me for any lack of hospitality."

After He Rui left, Zhao Tianlin invited everyone into the hotel. Looking at the appearance of Zhao Tianlin, Zhou Yinshan, and Morrison, Lü Feng determined that Zhao Tianlin was the leader among the three.

Zhao Tianlin led everyone to the banquet hall. The banquet hall was very spacious, supported by only a few pillars. Electric lights on the ceiling and walls illuminated even the deepest corners brightly.

Five or six meters from the main entrance, there was a small canal with clear water flowing in it, dividing the banquet hall into front and rear sections. In the front section near the entrance were the reception desk and the checkout counter. This small canal flowed into a small pond. Next to the pond were placed a few sofas and a small table for guests to rest, and several koi swam leisurely in the pond.

Zhao Tianlin walked onto the small bridge built over the canal and invited everyone to cross. After crossing the small bridge, they arrived in front of a moon gate. Connected to the moon gate was a long carved window lattice, which was both transparent and served as a partition, showing that the designer had put thought into it.

Passing through the moon gate, there was a large hall capable of holding more than twenty tables. At the other end of the hall, there was also a water channel. At the end of the channel was a model water mill, turning slowly under the push of the current. The source of the entire small canal was a stone inlet on the wall, and on the whitewashed wall next to it was a mural of weeping willows and a fisherman. Two steps from the wall was a large L-shaped counter. Inside the counter, hot water was prepared, ready to warm wine at any time.

Standing inside the counter was not an accountant, but a waitress dressed in Jiangnan-style clothing. A number of waitresses wearing similar clothes and with their hair in the same bun style were coming and going carrying trays with hot wine. Every woman walked lightly, clearly having unbound feet—or at least feet that had been unbound for many years.

Looking up, the interior decoration style of the banquet hall was graceful, presenting a scene of small bridges and flowing water in the Jiangnan style. Lü Feng sighed in his heart; even in the capital, there might not be many establishments that could be this particular. To think such a fine place existed outside the pass; it seemed He Rui was living quite well out here.

Zhao Tianlin led everyone into a private room, which was also decorated in Jiangnan style. There was a silk painted screen at the entrance, and fine brushwork paintings of ladies hung on the walls. On a small table in the corner was a guqin, covered with a silk cloth. Next to it was a white porcelain vase, which actually contained delicate and dripping plum blossoms.

*Plum blossoms in this season?* Lü Feng was somewhat surprised.

Wang Shizhen did not look at these decorations. Although he made a polite gesture, he was still invited to the seat of honor, and the five of them took their seats. Tea was immediately served on the round table, and Zhao Tianlin smiled, "This junior has long heard of Lord Wang's great name. I am a native of Tianjin. I heard that Lord Wang moved to Tianjin, but I missed the opportunity to be neighbors with you. It is truly a pity."

Wang Shizhen smiled faintly. "Everything has an order of arrival. Dr. Zhao is a local of Tianjin. Even if we were to be neighbors, it should be this old man coming to be neighbors with Dr. Zhao."

Zhao Tianlin sighed, "To be honest with Lord Wang, my life's passion is not being an official, but teaching and educating people. Once we win this war against Japan and ensure Japan never dares to invade China again, I want to return to the university in Tianjin to continue teaching. At that time, I will inevitably have to ask Lord Wang for advice."

Wang Shizhen shook his head. "I have long heard of Dr. Zhao's great talent. When the National Beiyang University was recommending a president back then, since it concerned Beiyang, Minister of Education Tang Hualong sent the list of candidates to Lord Yuan, and it was Lord Yuan who selected Dr. Zhao. Although Lord Yuan is gone, this old man can still remember this matter. I wonder if Dr. Zhao knew this detail back then."

Listening to the conversation between the two, Lü Feng had a smile on his face, but in his heart, he was twelve times more cautious. Perhaps these two were just engaging in small talk and discussing the past. But understood from another angle, it could also be considered that the two had already gone straight to the point and started discussing business.

Beiyang sending people this time was not for dining and catching up, but a probing mission concerning Beiyang's future. Given the current situation in China, He Rui was closest to the Anhui clique, and relations with the Anhui clique were still good. Especially since Zhang Xiluan could act as a go-between, the Beiyang upper echelons, even knowing Zhang Xiluan would be closer to He Rui, wouldn't go so far as to sell out his old brothers. That was why they sent people.

Lü Feng was just an 'outsider' on this trip, but he could figure it out himself. If He Rui lost to Japan in the future, then everything would be over. If He Rui really won against Japan, Beiyang would have to make a choice. Especially the Anhui clique; being close meant they would bear the brunt. Moreover, the Anhui clique was entrenched in the central government and couldn't hide even if they wanted to. Since they couldn't hide, the Anhui clique naturally wanted to figure out He Rui's intentions.

If looking at Wang Shizhen and Zhao Tianlin's conversation from the perspective of frank exchange: Zhao Tianlin proposing to be neighbors with Wang Shizhen was a metaphor for the Northeast entering the central government. Wang Shizhen's mention of "first come, first served" was a metaphor for Beiyang being able to accept the Northeast becoming the dominant force in the center.

Wang Shizhen bringing up old matters, specifically the fact that Zhao Tianlin's presidency was handpicked by Yuan Shikai, was a metaphor that the Northeast was part of the Beiyang system and had to follow Beiyang rules. They couldn't just flip the table and break the rules.

Of course, Lü Feng knew he was guessing and didn't dare to be certain. After all, He Rui's status in Beiyang was very special. In terms of background, He Rui was a direct descendant of Beiyang, which no one could question. In terms of status, He Rui was a Beiyang Marshal, leading the Fengtian clique to rule a region. The only drawback was that He Rui was too young and hadn't done anything for Beiyang yet; in terms of seniority, it wasn't his turn to give orders in front of his uncles and elders.

But He Rui had his own advantages: he had many soldiers and generals, and abundant finances. If He Rui wasn't in a hurry, he could completely wait until after defeating Japan to make demands. At that time, He Rui's prestige in China would allow him to ignore all seniority. No matter how high the seniority, it couldn't be higher than a national hero in matters of state.

Beiyang naturally understood this, which was why they sent people to sound out the situation now. Zhang Xiluan was the oldest big brother in Beiyang, but he had been outside the pass the whole time, so his status was actually far inferior to Duan Qirui and Wang Shizhen. But Beiyang big shots like Duan Qirui and Wang Shizhen had to call him "Big Brother" and ask for his advice entirely because Zhang Xiluan was the one who had supported the "Dragon" (Yuan Shikai).

~

For high-level figures like this, naturally, the earlier the decision, the greater the risk. But the earlier the decision, the greater the profit. Zhang Xiluan won this gamble, and since then, his transcendent status in Beiyang was unmatched. If things reached the worst-case scenario and the Anhui and Fengtian cliques started fighting, a single word from Zhang Xiluan could probably save lives.

So Lü Feng listened quietly without saying a word. Although he hadn't gambled on the future, let alone bet his future on He Rui, according to the rules, Lü Feng had known He Rui for many years, and just this friendship would allow him to speak up.

If things became difficult, the Beiyang big shots would naturally ask Lü Feng to see He Rui. Such an opportunity was actually hard to come by. At least Lü Feng would be the first to get the news, and even if arranging for himself, he could plan ahead.